Question
My mother lives in Oklahoma. She receives medicare (she's well over 65). She recently wanted to see a doctor that did not take medicare. She offered to pay cash, up front (my mother is lucky enough to have significant financial resources). The doctor told her that he was not allowed, BY LAW, to accept cash payments from anyone that was receiving Medicare benefits.
Is this really a rule/law with Medicare, and if so, what's the reason behind this?
Thanks.
Answer
Hi Phil
Complicated. Two reasons for problem. Prevent fraud and too much paperwork. When the doctor opts out of Medicare, he agrees not to treat Medicare patients under a provate contract One of the reasons is that the cost would be more than what Medicare would pay. Lot more complicated than that, and it is outside of my expertise.
John
